Jai Uttal

Awakening Bhakti Workshop: A Celebration of Divine and Human Love

Bhakti Yoga is the path of personal relationship with Spirit, with God, with Goddess; a relationship that includes all the flavors and moods of the human heart. In the journey of Bhakti our emotions become the fuel to reconnect us with the Divine and to find healing and wholeness within us. Through singing Kirtan we explore, express and share the deepest caverns of our souls and ultimately find the eternal spring of love.

For everyone who loves and practices Kirtan; or chanting the ecstatic songs of ancient India, Jai will share and demystify some of their secrets particularly the 'fact' that with just a little understanding of music and rhythm and a lot of self acceptance we all can sing and lead and share our hearts with others. The practice of chanting, itself, can become our teacher, guiding us home.

Jai Uttal, a sacred music composer, recording artist, multi-instrumentalist, and ecstatic vocalist, combines influences from India with influences from American rock and jazz, creating a stimulating and exotic multi-cultural fusion that is truly world spirit music. Having traveled extensively in India, where he met many beautiful saints and singers, Bhakti yoga became his personal path. Jai has been leading kirtans around the world for more than 30 years, creating a safe environment for people to open their hearts and voices. His new album “Kirtan Kids” was just released by Sounds True. www.jaiuttal.com

Ram Dass

Exclusive DVD

Ram Dass first went to India in 1967. He was still Dr. Richard Alpert, an already eminent Harvard psychologist and psychedelic pioneer with Dr. Timothy Leary. He had continued his psychedelic research until that fateful Eastern trip in 1967, when he traveled to India. In India, he met his guru, Neem Karoli Baba, affectionatelyknown as Maharajji, who gave Ram Dass his name, which means "servant of God." Everything changed then - his intense dharmic life started, and he became a pivotal influence on a culture that has reverberated with the words "Be Here Now" ever since. Ram Dass's spirit has been a guiding light for three generations, carrying along millions on the journey, helping free them from their bonds as he has worked his way through his own.

Indradyumna Swami

Entering Bhakti

In this workshop Indradyumna Swami, a world-renowned sannyasi monk and teacher, shares his experiences of entering bhakti-yoga. He retraces his spiritual search and his discovery of bhakti-yoga, drawing on his experiences of the last four decades during which he transformed from a Marine Corps soldier to a saffron-clad monk. With humour and deep spiritual insight, Indradyumna Swami invites his audience to share his journey from the shores of his native California through the lands of Europe, Russia, Africa and India, a journey into the heart of bhakti.

Laura Amazzone

Shakti and the Tantric Wisdom Goddesses!

This workshop is an exploration of the wisdom teachings of ten wildly passionate and independent expressions of Shakti known as the Tantric Wisdom Goddesses (Mahavidyas).
Through meditation, visualization, and a presentation of images of these Goddesses, we will discover how the Mahavidyas are expressions of Consciousness that have much to teach us about the seen and unseen nature of Reality. When awakened within, the Tantric Wisdom Goddesses liberate us from societal limitations and oppressive conventions that keep us from expressing our truest natures. They are known for their fierce untameable qualities, their sexual passion and desire, and their powers of creation and dissolution. In this workshop we will experience how these Goddesses are the Shakti of spiritual empowerment, transformation and liberation--and we will discover how they are present within ourselves.

Sundari (Laura Plumb) and Bhava Ram

The Bhakti & Bhajana of Divine Relationship Join Sundari (Laura Plumb) and Bhava Ram for an immersion in Divine Relationship as you open your heart to the Beloved, see the Divine in yourself and others, and taste the spiritual essence of Love within your Soul. Learn techniques and practices to deepen your connection with your Beloved or to manifest a conscious, loving relationship in your life. Through the Vedic Wisdom of Vidya, Ishvara Pranhidana, Devi Mantra, Sambandha (right relationship), Bhakti and Bhajana (worship), you will unfold your inherent capacity to live fully, authentically, wildly, and blissfully. We invite you to join us to open your heart to relationship as Divine Shakti Yoga. Workshop includes mantra, meditation, pranayam, asana and chanting with live music from Sundari & Bhava Ram.

Paul Heussenstamm

Mandalas as Psychic Maps

Paul Heussenstamm’s inherent artistic abilities and unique focus are reflections of his parent's influence as both were deeply involved in art and spirituality.  Paul’s natural evolution into becoming an accomplished painter of spiritual imagery began at age 35 after growing a successful surf business.  His first art class expanded into a consuming passion that resulted in a change of profession along with a resounding new perspective on life.  Paul explains, “A new voice had come into being, and I merely began listening and responding to this growing call of the soul.”  The major turning point in his art career came during a workshop when he spontaneously created a Mandala, an ancient sacred pattern.  Over time he came to understand the Mandala as a psychic map and a symbol of wholeness that can center us through difficult times.  “All of reality has a pattern, and the patterns are ours to understand if we have the courage and insight to open up and look. All we seek—peace, love, health, happiness, all that is real—can be ours through this understanding.

Dr. Manoj & Jyothi Chalam

Symbolism of Ganesha, Shiva, Hanuman & Goddesses and their Relevance today

Using statues to illustrate, Manoj will relate the symbolism of these deities to archetypes within us. Through their myths, we'll uncover hidden symbolisms and learn the four ways to work with them as part of your spiritual practice. Manoj will help you to find your personal archetype or Ishtadevata. Discover how working with your archetypes can profoundly shift you, especially during moments of life transitions, and how these ancient teachings have practical relevance to your life, bringing peace of mind and uncovering our underlying common spirit.

The Joy of Chanting - by Jyothi Chalam

We will explore the spiritual meaning and significance of chanting through both Vedic chants and Kirtans.

Lorin Roche

At Play with the Radiance Sutras

Shakti is power, faculty, skill, and also the creative power of expression. In this workshop, we will be exploring the way we each manifest Shakti differently, and grow in skill as we get better at dancing with the universe. The Radiance Sutras are an expression of the love song Shakti and Shiva are singing to each other, and present 112 gateways into experiencing the currents of life and love flowing through us.

Christabel Zamor

Breath of Bliss

Deepen your capacity to give and receive more love. Breath of Bliss is a presence practice which explores conscious, connected breathing to feel more aliveness. Join us in a sacred and nurturing space as we traverse the vast terrain of Samsara~ feeling the whole spectrum of human emotions and using them to come home to our true essence as Love. Physical sensations, creativity, connection with the Divine and long buried memories of this life or past ones can emerge. This shamangelic breathwork journey includes movement, deep sharing, touching, conscious loving exercises and live sound healing. Participants often leave feeling euphoric, peaceful, full of wonder and gratitude. Learn more at www.BreathBliss.com

Shakti Yum Hoopdance with HoopGirl

Undulate your body inside hula hoops to feel primordial cosmic energy and creative power. In this all-levels workshop, we will use adult-sized hoops as a tool to quicken our life-force energy and to deepen the breath. We will explore conscious inhales and exhales coupled with visualizations while dancing. Connect with the divine force in your hips to boost ecstatic aliveness. Open your senses and explore flowing, connected movements as a pleasurable path to presence. All ability levels welcome. Bring your hoop if you have one~ a limited number will be provided on site. Learn more at www.HoopGirl.com

Dearbhla Kelly

Lotus Heart, Open Heart

The spiritual heart resides at the center of the chest and is often depicted as a beautiful lotus flower, pure and unblemished. We will use mantra, mudra, meditation, visualization to coax the petals of the lotus flower to bloom and pranayama for nourishment so that the lotus stays open.

Nubia Teixeira

Pranayama & Mantra with Nubia & Jai Uttal

Pranayama and Mantra are two practices that were given to us by the kind and wise ancient sages as a way for us to connect with the divine source thru our physical and emotional bodies. Our breath is one of the most palpable  links between the “seen” and the “invisible” worlds. It is the connection between our “inner and outer” environments, and a thread between the mundane and the sacred. 
The path of Bhakti Yoga is the path of personal relationship with the divine; a way to create an inseparable link with ‘spirit’ throughout our daily lives, as we offer all that we are and all that we do towards the “Beloved” (God or Goddess). Breathing and singing are so connected to each other. Breathing and singing are a way to relate to the divine and to the world around us through our hearts and our subtle bodies.
When we inhale we are receiving the light and the truth of the Sacred Beings; when we exhale, or sing, we are offering our light and truth to the Sacred Source and to all beings. In this workshop you will learn a Bhumi Pranam (salutation to Mother Earth), a dance to Goddess Durga and a storytelling dance for the Brazilian/Yoruba Deity of the sweet waters Oxum. In this class she will be supported by her husband Jai Uttal with background music and prayer.

Dawn Cartwright

Tantra. Where Love Enters Divine Realms

The Sanskrit name for the 6th chakra is Ajna, which means beyond wisdom. It is the place where our relationships enter divine realms. Here, distractions disappear and duality vanishes. At the 6th chakra, ida, pingala, and sushumna merge into one stream of consciousness and flow up to sahasrara. The divine masculine and divine feminine merge into one. Love does this, maybe this is why we love love so much. Love reveals our deepest desires and activates the seeds of our potential. We are transported beyond wisdom. Evolution occurs. And love lives as us. We'll explore the Bija Mantras, Sanskrit invocations of the chakras, as we journeyed together beyond duality; where love enters divine realms.

Dawn Cartwright is a Tantric visionary, sacred writer, world traveler, and innovator in bio-energetic Tantra fusion. She discovered the path of Tantra by accident shortly after a period of life-changing mystical experiences in lovemaking. During her 20 years of teaching, she has integrated the Vigyan Bhairav roots of Tantra, Alexander Lowen’s teachings, the wisdom of Osho, and a microcosm-macrocosm approach to the body. Founder of the Chandra Bindu Tantra Institute in Santa Monica, California.

David Newman (Durga Das)

Bhakti Yoga: The Way of Love

Sages and seers have always known that Love is the master key to happiness. Through the ages, the practice of Bhakti Yoga evolved to help seekers embody that Love and access the wisdom of the heart. Join us for a joy filled and inspirational blend of heart opening Bhakti Yoga teachings and Kirtan.

Mirabai Devi

Living in Light: Anchoring the Power of the Divine Feminine

As we move forward into a New Era of Consciousness and all the many changes that we will continue to see on Mother Earth, it is important for us to open and expand our awareness into unconditional love. In order for humanity to fully awaken, the Divine Feminine - the highest level of feminine expression and manifestation in the Universe - must be restored. This is essential so that we may be empowered to remember Who We Really Are.
Join Mirabai for a workshop filled with Light as she guides us through an experience of transformation and healing that will culminate in a blissful state of Divine awakening, an open heart, a healed body, and an expanded consciousness. Mirabai will lead us through spiritual teachings, peacemaking and forgiveness practices, and a special Shakti Light Transmission for 2013.

Aditi Devi

Kali Puja with Aditi Devi Ma

Come honor the ecstatic and blissful Goddess Kali Ma through ritual, music, and dance. This is a gathering of devotees under the late night/early morning sky to practice our fierce devotion to the loving and nourishing Mother. We gather up the energies, make offerings, suffuse ourselves with them, and then send the blessings out into world. This is a highly inclusive and intimate form of ritual and offering; everyone may participate to the extent that they wish. Aditi Devi Ma, an authorized Shakta pujarini, will lead us in the puja offering to invoke the radiant presence and grace of Kali Ma. We are joined by Shakti Fest musicians. Your dance offering is welcome. Jai Mahakali Ma, Jai! www.aditidevi.com

Victoria Gevoian

The 8 Key Tibetan Breaths

Executive Director of the Joshua Tree International Retreat Center and the Ding Le Mei Institute of Mentalphysics. Businesswoman and entrepreneur and founded the Alexandria Bookstores of Southern California. She has been a lecturer, visionary and student of mysticism for over 25 years. omstream.com

Shakti Circle

Awakening Shakti: A Celebration of the Divine Feminine

Uncover the essence of Shakti with five Yoginis who have dedicated their lives to studying and sharing gems of wisdom from the lineages that celebrate Shakti. Learn how to live it, how to give it, how to bring it into the world through creative expression, service and love. Panelists include Laura Amazzone, Mirabai Devi, Dawn Cartwright, Shiva Rea, and Aditi Devi.

Zach Leary (Ramana)

Daily Hanuman Chalisa Recitation

Zach Leary (Ramana) is a practitioner of Bhakti yoga as taught by his Guru Neem Karoli Baba. Through the practice of kirtan he has found keys that unlock doorways that allow the soul to experience it's true nature of being eternal, full of knowledge and full of bliss. In addition to Bhakti yoga, Zach has been influenced by many different methods and traditions ranging from trans-humanism, hatha yoga, Buddhism and psychology. But above all he believes first and foremost in his Guru's teaching that "love is the strongest medicine." 

The Hanuman Chalisa is a 40 verse Hindu prayer that sings the praises and glories of Hanuman who is the essence of love and devotion to God in the form of Ram. In this workshop, Zach will lead the group in the practice of singing this prayer while maintaining focus on service and devotion. Zach will also talk a little about what the Hanuman Chalisa means to him, the practice of Guru Kripa, and Bhakti.

Hand-outs with the transliteration of the words will be provided. 

Divine Harmony

The Astrology of 2013: The Year of the Goddess

Come join us as we explore the transformational, evolutionary astrology of 2013 that makes this year even more powerful than last year! We will talk about the planetary transits (jupiter, saturn, uranus, neptune, pluto and chiron), eclipses and auspicious dates to tune into during this extraordinary year. If you know nothing about astrology or if you are more well-versed, come to get your daily dose of cosmic insight!

Dharma Devi

Clarity Breathwork

Clarity Breathwork is a gentle, safe and profound tool for healing and transformation on all levels — physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. This practice is able to increase the available energy in the physical body, improve the clarity of the mind and allow a release of blocked emotional energy to gently uplift the spirit. It uses the ancient practice of circular, connected breathing that has been utilized in many cultures around the world for thousands of years, for healing and attaining higher states of consciousness. For eons of time yogis, saints and sages alike have expounded on the power and importance of the breath to bring us to greater awareness and presence.

Renee Baribeau

Bringing It Home

For many, yoga classes and spiritual retreats provide welcome relief from the pressures and stresses of today’s fast-paced, hectic world. Proven techniques help us to rediscover our “True North.” For many however, this serenity quickly dissipates once they return to the repetitive, mundane routines of daily living. 
Join the “Practical Shaman,” Renee Baribeau, as she explains and demonstrates how easy to tap into your divine energy at will, and find peace, long after the Shakti Festival has ended.

After Yoga; the Dishes

It is easy to maintain your True North while in a yoga class or on a spiritual retreat, but how do you take the calm home? Join Renee Baribeau known to her executive and celebrity clients as The Practical Shaman for her down to earth tell it like it is style, in an exploration of daily serenity. Learn a simple process that will help you maintain peace in your daily life, no matter what the wind blows your way. Her system will help you easily identify and clear the block, so you can take the magic from the festival home with you.

Michael Brian Baker

Day 1: Perception and the shape of our world

Within our personal yoga lies magic far beyond physical conditioning. The way in which we see or “perceive” our reality dictates not only our life experience but also defines our ability to create the life of our dreams. Join us for a visceral shift and feel into absolute abundance.

Day 2: The Truth of love indefinable

What driving force lies behind the desire to obtain self-mastery? Is love defined by romance, sexuality, discipline, connection or commitment? When one or more gather, answers to age-old questions are often birthed from within. Do not miss this gathering!

Day 3: The responsibility of prayer and healing

What deity or being do the Sun, Water, Wind & Fire pray to? Expanded awareness of our place in the masters’ divine plan will be explored in this final healing workshop in honor of Shakti Fest 2013. When we gather together to heal ourselves we heal our world. All levels and belief systems welcome. Please arrive early as these workshops fill up quite rapidly.

Demetri Veliskakis

Embracing the Blissful Inner Consort with Nine Round Breathing

Learn this powerful yet accessible tantric meditation and breath-practice called Nine~Round~Breathing that arouses and guides life force energy into the central channel of our body uniting energy and mind in natural bliss.
Because the mind carried by a subtle wind/
seeks its primordial essence of holy bliss, being satisfied the mind will not be distracted by other things-
it rests in the radiant reality
whose essence is method and wisdom. ~Sahajayoginichinta 

Robin Clements

BreathWave

The BreathWave is a simple, powerful, integrative practice. Combining an open, fluid and relaxed breath, positive intention and sound healing, this practice cultivates higher states of awareness and real life clarity on all levels. The freedom of an open breath has only personal limits! This workshop will be guided with a clear explanation, hands on facilitation and live Kirtan. If you have ever had an interest at all in vibrational medicine this workshop is a must experience. Robin's soft approach, compassion and ability to serve the moment holds space for total engagement.

Zat Baraka

Manifesting Our Lives Through Self-Initiation: A Tantric Breathwork Workshop

The power of self-initiation is a journey into empowerment, life as an exploration and conscious creation. Whether you are choosing to create an intimate relationship, step into your life purpose or create a solid spiritual practice, the power of self-initation supports you on your journey without the self-judgment. Learn to get off the emotional roller coaster that has kept you making the same mistakes.

In this workshop we will use practices that help release emotional trauma, build concentration and help us dissolve our busy judging mind. Self-initiation is an extremely powerful tool to release fear, feel a beautiful sense of being supported, and gaining more self-confidence. We will use traditional Tantric Buddhist practice to drop out of poisonous mind and have an opportunity to feel more connected and grounded.